Social Justice Wrays Essential Aspects of Biblical Law and Justice

Social Justice Wrays Essential Aspects of Biblical Law and Justice Introduction The purpose of this paper is to evaluate Wray’s essential aspects of Biblical Law and Justice in light of what it offers religious educators for the classroom study of justice. A large portion of the Bible has been dedicated to the issue of law and justice.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Social Justice: Wray’s Essential Aspects of Biblical Law and Justice specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Therefore, religious educators who teach about justice in classrooms today must go back to the Bible and look at biblical legal codes and justice. Justice has become a matter of concern for many people in modern societies. Nevertheless, it is a concept that is socially constructed, meaning that it is subject to contextual interpretation. Various Interpretations of Biblical Laws and Justice Wray has conducted an extensive study on the subject of social justice and suggests that students taking any course on law or social justice must go back to the origins of these laws and justice, in this case the Bible. He maintains that biblical laws and justice should be taught in the classroom in a bid to tackle some of the prevalent issues affecting modern societies, including laws, prohibitions and injunctions (Wray, 2011, p. 161). Indeed, the quest for social justice has been highlighted by many social philosophers for many centuries since the emergence of enlightenment and industrial revolution. The industrial revolution and the emergence of capitalist economies gave rise to social decay and the erosion of social values as most people were subjected to hard social and economic conditions.Advertising Looking for essay on religion theology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The world is divided between the haves and the have-nots. In theory, social justice is an attempt to address the question of equity and fair distribution of income and resources. The theory of justice implies that people should be treated equally (Miller, 1999). The concept of social justice is widely used today to refer to the fair distribution of resources amongst the members of the society. For many centuries, this concept has been applied in various societies, but it is evident that even today discrimination of the poor from the market economy still continues (Miller, 1999). However, regardless of what has been researched, written or formulated as part of our social policies, justice is far from being realized. Perhaps it can be argued that humanity have rejected the origins of these laws and regulations and came up with mere philosophies that does not address the real problems. The best model for social justice is in the Bible which in Borg’s view is the foundation for political and personal transformation. Any attempt to fight for social justice must be based on the word of God because the Kingdom of God is the heart of jus tice (Borg, 2003). Borg also argues that although the American society promotes the principles of individualism, all humans are part of a wider social-economic, political, cultural, and faith systems that promotes social lives in the community (Borg, 2003). Borg goes back to the biblical account to show God’s passion for social and political justice. He maintains that Jesus’ teaching about the Kingdom of God in the New Testament is all about justice (Borg, 2003).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Social Justice: Wray’s Essential Aspects of Biblical Law and Justice specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Similarly, views have been expressed by O’ Donohue who states that the biblical concept of justice is intrinsically connected to human relationship. He argues that God demands for justice that does not appear in abstract, but the kind of justice that exists within our human lives. True justice emer ges from the relationship between humanity and God and fellow humanity. It starts with the individual then moves on to society (O’ Donahue, 1977). This is the line of argument that Wray has followed. In his view, biblical law and justice should be the main text for students studying social justice and other law related courses. The most important part of these texts is that which deals with Torah on the Old Testament and the Kingdom of God in the New Testament. These texts contain the golden rules upon which we derive our mannerism and ways of treating other people. The purpose of the biblical laws was originally given to regulate human behavior in a manner that was intended by God from the beginning (Wray, 2011). Consequently, these laws have become the cornerstone for legal codes that governs modern civilized societies. This is not to say that the modern societies are perfect. But regardless of their levels of civilizations crime, injustices and immoralities are still the o rder of the day. We still have many cases of rape, murders, theft, slandering, corruption, fraud, and lying, even as the bible prohibits such behaviors.Advertising Looking for essay on religion theology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Our jails and prisons are full of people have been locked up for going against these laws. These laws have governed the world since the days of ancient Israel when they were first given to control humans but their behaviors are still the same (Berger, 2007). This does not imply that these laws are ineffective. In fact, they are still unique and effective if applied appropriately. Wray laments that most religious educators and preachers do not discuss biblical justice with the laws of Israel. This means that one cannot teach about observing the laws without first developing a relationship with the lawgiver, who is God. For instance, treating other people fairly, defending the poor and the weak can only demonstrate the existing covenant relationship with God. The Four Assumptions of Biblical Laws and Justice Wray also outlines four main assumptions connected to the interpretation of the biblical laws and justice (Wray, 2011). The first assumptions that are commonly held by many people purports that the Ten Commandments were given by God and therefore God’s people are obliged to abide by these rules and regulations. In Wray’s view, the ten commandments should be treated like’ formulaic prohibitions’ that controls human behaviors and legalizes how the community needs to relate with each other (2011, p.162). He continues to suggest that the interpretation of the law should not be confined to the Ten Commandments only, but should include the entire Torah including other 600 laws. However, there are divergent views concerning the interpretation and practice of Torah (biblical laws from genesis to Deuteronomy) between various Christian denominations and other world religions (Wray, 2011). The second assumption suggests that when one breaks these laws then they are subjected to punishment which in Wray’s view has given birth to retributive justice. The interpretation of this concept has brought lots of complications to the understandi ng of crime and punishment, commonly referred to in the bible as an eye to eye. Wray claims that biblical laws are divided into two areas, the apodictic laws which include the Ten Commandments which in most cases are prohibitory nature. He argues that this group of laws does not contain any elements of punishment attached to them, rather they were meant to deter the offenders from committing the offence. In other words, they are precautionary or preventive rather curative. They are unique and different from any other laws found in Ancient Near Eastern regions (Wray, 2011). However, Wray indicates that the second type of the laws can be grouped as casuistic because they are more of case laws which were common in the Ancient near eastern societies and commonly used in court cases in even in those days. From his assessment of these two types of laws, Wray concludes the entire Torah were specifically give to the Children to regulate their devotion to God and control how they behave towa rds their human beings (Wray, 2011). According to Wray, the third assumption supports and advocates for Golden rule. This rule suggests that we should treat others fairly and then expect the same in return. He argues that the Golden Rule promotes justice and fairness in the society. It addresses the notion of fairness and justice and especially to the weak, oppressed and poor. While the fourth assumption purports that justice is about caring for those people in the society who are less fortunate, socially disadvantaged and marginalized (Wray, 2011). Conclusion This paper has attempted to evaluate Wray’s paper which suggests that the essential aspects of biblical law and justice must be taught to classrooms for those studying justice and law related a subjects. Social justice is still a major concern for many societies and the solution is to go back to the basics. The author argues that justice is socially constructed; meaning that its interpretation differs from one society t o another. Wray argues that the biblical laws upon which our modern legal code and social values are based were originated given by God to govern human behaviors and regulate how they relate with God and fellow humanity. Therefore, true justice must start with the individual’s close relationship with God and then be reflected and translated back to the society. This implies that our view and practice of justice must begin with the individual person and stream down to the society. Furthermore, it supports the argument that religious educators must teach the individual students to change their own views and attitudes as individuals before they can go out there and transform the rest of society. Reference List Berger, R. M. (2007). What the heck is social justice? Sojourners Magazine, 36(2), 37. Borg, M. (2003). The kingdom of God: The heart of justice. In The heart of Christianity. pp. 127-148. San Francisco: Harper Collins. Miller, D. (1999). Principles of social justice. Camb ridge, Mass: Harvard University Press. O’Donahue, J. (1977). Biblical perspectives on justice. In Haughey, J. (Ed). The faith that does justice. pp. 68-112. New York: Paulist Press. Wray, T. J. (2011). What the Bible really tells us: The essential guide to biblical literacy. Lanham, Md: Rowman Littlefield.

BHS 455 (Computer & Information Systems) Module 2 CBT Essay

BHS 455 (Computer & Information Systems) Module 2 CBT - Essay Example One study by (Baggs & Schmitt, 1997) found several major positive outcomes form nurses and physicians working together, they were described as improving patient care, feeling better in the job, and controlling costs. In another study (Alpert et al., 1992) also found that collaboration among physicians and nurses led to increased functional status for patients and a decreased time from admission to discharge. The information that generally needs to be shared at Presbyterian Hospital mostly focuses on patient records and backgrounds. Both physicians and nurses must have access to patient medical records in order to know what to do to help the patient. Furthermore, both nurses and physicians need to also have access to the patient in order to meet and treat the patient. Physicians will usually make the final diagnosis on a patient, especially in the hospital. This is where some of the information between physicians and doctors may differ. While the physician interprets and makes the diagnosis most often, it us up to the physician to then provide that information to the nurse, so the nurse can take the appropriate steps with the patient.

Natural and houman life in Mono Lake Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Natural and houman life in Mono Lake - Essay Example While many species find the lake unfavorable for life due to its high pH and alkalinity, the alkali flies find a lot of benefit in these conditions (Herbst1& Bradley1 670). The water of the lake provides a natural breeding ground to the flies much as it provides good ground for feeding as it is filled with different kinds of algae; blue and green (Herbst1& Bradley1 670). Many species of birds live around Mono Lake and many others travel from as far as South America and take time to rest and rejuvenate on as they migrate from different places. The birds mostly find the Mono Lake a suitable ground for breeding as there is plentiful supply of food in the form of alkali flies and brine shrimps, especially between mid summer and fall (Cash & Bradley 312). It is estimated that over 100 bird species in totaling millions grace the Mono lake area at different times of the year (Mono Basin Ecosystem Study Committee of the National Research Council 46). It is estimated that more than 44,000 California Gulls find breeding ground around the lake in spring every year (Mono Basin Ecosystem Study Committee of the National Research Council 46). Some of the birds that are found in the wider Mono Lake region include red-necked phalaropes, flamingoes, egrets, Wilsons phalaropes, horned lark , bank swallow, dusky flycatcher, stellers jay, scrub jay and eared grebes, to name but a few. While the population of water fowls such as ducks was high in the lake several decades ago, this is no longer the case. The ducks, Gadwalls, Geese, Mallards,and Green-winged Teals have almost disappeared over the years as a consequence of the diversion of the river that flowed into the lake in 1941. Humans have lived in the Mono Lake region for a long time. The Kutzadikaa people find benefit from the lake in that they normally hunt alkali flies for food during winter periods as noted by Herbst and Bradley (193). For the different bird species and the tufa mounds that

Essay assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Assignment - Essay Example It is significant to appreciate that the lawfulness of the Education Act and its inherent relations to external affairs power. The federal state of Australia, as you are aware, is a member of Commonwealth parliament. Adoption of the Act by the federal government comes a week after passage of the same act by the Commonwealth assembly. The principal controversy follows inherent rejection of the Act by members of the opposition in our federal parliament. Just to recap the content of National Education Act 2015, it has a collection of relevant legislation to our current educational needs. The current National Education Acts clearly expounds details of an education institution and its role in the society. It identifies an education institution as any organization with a primary goal of providing instruction to pupils within the age of 5 years to 18 years in the relevant subjects such as mathematics and science literacy. It also encompasses the National Education Standards and defines it as the body of principles pertaining to the primary or secondary education. Ministry of Education must promulgate this body of principle to enable it take effect on any states education system (Zines, 2008). The inherent discussion centers on section 1(c) of the promulgated Act. This sub-section introduces the cause of disagreement in the past Act. It introduces the Commonwealth Education Proctor, as a representative of the Commonwealth to our education institutions including Kearneys Spring State School. The Commonwealth Educational Proctor does an oversight role on behalf of the Commonwealth on our education system and quality. It is mandatory, according to the Act, to have such an official in every Australian school (Zines, 2008). The Minister of Education has the power according to the Act of organizing for the appointment of Commonwealth Education Proctor in any member State of Commonwealth within all the respective

Effects of Reality Tv on Society Essay Example for Free

Effects of Reality Tv on Society Essay There are many discussions about the effects of reality TV on society. Positive and negative effects of reality TV are two parts of a coin. Unfortunately the coin mostly falls on the negative side. Many reality TV shows are created purely for profit without thinking about its consequences on the mindsets of viewers, especially young viewers . Media companies accept that they make these shows for profit and they do not care about the effects on people. They say that they just show us what we want. Is it right not to care about the viewers mental health just to make more money? Most of these shows do not portray reality and this weakens the ability of critical thinking, causes to depict a false image of life, develops wrong notions, erodes some ethical and moral practices. Reality TV shows give a false image of reality, since the people watching them are under the impression that everything happening in the show is real. According to a Time magazine article, some reality TV shows are edited to be dramatic and some quotes may actually be manufactured. Clashes and ugly feuds between the reality stars may be constructed and some parts of the shows may also be completely edited and cut out so they dont make the final show that people see on TV. Some critics actually charge that reality TV is not so real and that these shows may be far more manipulative than we think. When all is said and done, some people on the reality shows say that they were unfairly represented and the reality taken out of the show therefore making the show pure entertainment. In some ways, this gives the audience that the characters in these shows are real and acting normal. Some viewers empathize with the show’s stars. Viewers tend to behave, feel, think like the stars and during this process they lose their critical thinking skills. A great example can be seen in John Cheveer’s article ‘’The Enormous Radio’’. In the article a woman has a radio that is capable of playing the neighbor’s conversations. The woman has created an apished public self, and when she hears the neighbor’s private conversations she is witnessed to the nakedness of their misery. She asks her husband ‘’We’re happy, aren’t we, darling? We are happy, aren’t we? ’’ (Cheever, pg. 83) . So she lost her ability to judge her own happiness by being witnessing other people’s life’s, just like some reality TV shows . Certain shows are filled with glamour, filtrations, indecent acts, promiscuity, greed, jealousy, conflict and other sensitive issues. These create a controversy in the society where this society begins to support unethical and immoral practices. Humans take the negative parts of these shows causing increased rates in murder, corruption in society and antisocial behaviors. As Salman Rushdie claims, ‘’ The television set once so idealistically thought of as our window on the world , has become a dime-store mirror instead. ’ (2001, pg. 63) . Values such as being successful, smart, educated, acting polite has less value nowadays. A glaring example on mental effects ‘’ When the sister of a woman who appeared on ABC’s Extreme Makeover committed suicide in 2004, the contestant sued the network for wrongful death and other charges . The contestant, who was competing to win free plastic surgery but lost, claimed that her sister had felt so guilty about mocking her appearance on the program that she killed herself. ABC settled the case for an undisclosed amount last year. ‘’ (W. Peters, 2010, pg. 74) . This example also shows producers of reality shows do not care about the consequences on society as long as they are making money. As Jeremy W. Peters claims ‘’In recent years producers and networks have increasingly pushed the boundaries of television voyeurism in search of another ratings hit’’ (2007, pg. 73) . Since there is not a law against producers to harming people, they do not be careful on what they show on programmes. Therefore there are social organizations which want to make a law against reality TV or completely ban reality shows. Many programmes insult and degrade moral values. ‘‘It ? s hard to defend the deception of Joe Millionaire which set up twenty women to court construction worker Evan Marriott by telling them he was a multimillionaire’’(Poniewozik, 2003, pg. 69) . This example shows us how the show degrades women . Also on some shows great portion of the African American contestants are shown as bad. For example the show ‘’Love Cruise’’ is where singles pair up on cruise ships and get married. The women were told to hook up with whomever they want, but every woman chose a white man. The one guy left standing was the black man. Of course we cannot claim that reality shows effect every human in a negative way . In fact there are people who claim reality TV has positive effects on the society . Such as James Poniewozik ‘’It has given the networks water-cooler buzz again; it has reminded viewers jaded by sitcoms and dramas why TV can be exciting; and at its best, its teaching TV a new way to tell involving human stories. ’’ ( 2003, pg. 67) . Also these shows are a place where people could show their talents and get rewarded for it. On the show American Idol, a woman had two children but she did not have enough money to raise them. She had a great voice, so she won the money prize and now the family has a great life. Unfortunately these kinds of positive effects are only a small part of the pie . By considering all of the points made above the effects of reality shows on people may not be crucial, but it is definitely taken in great importance. The ignorance of producers and effects on mental health and social talents are unjust and corruptive. Maybe strict laws could put a stop to all of it but until that time comes the community will still get effected by reality TV.

Causes And Effects Of Drought Stress Environmental Sciences Essay

Causes And Effects Of Drought Stress Environmental Sciences Essay Drought can be defined as the absence of rainfall and water or irrigation for a period of time sufficient to deplete soil moisture and injure plants (Plantlifeonline.net, 2007). In short, drought is a period of time without rainfall. The drought is one of the most serious global issues for agriculture field and need to harsh precaution need to be taken immediately. Four-tenths of the worlds agricultural land lies in arid or semi-arid regions especially in Africa. Meanwhile, drought stress is defined as effects of some period of plants that involve plant water relationships. According to Farooq et al. (2008) drought stress reduces and decreases the size of plants leaf, extension of stem and proliferation of roots that disturbs plant water relations and reduces water-use efficiency. While ForestryNepal(n.d.) defined that drought stress occurs when the available water in the soil is reduced and  atmospheric conditions cause continuous loss of water by transpiration or  evaporation. Drought stress tolerance can be found in almost all plants but its extent varies  from species to species and even within species. It is characterized by  reduction of water content, diminished leaf water potential and turgor loss, closure,  nutrient metabolism and growth promoters. Plants display a variety of physiological and biochemical responses at cellular and whole organism levels towards prevailing drought stress, thus making it a complex phenomenon. Based on Bishop(n.d) report, many variables play a part in reaching drought conditions, these include lack of natural rainfall, types of soil, air temperature, humidity, conditions of wind, exposure of sun, and also plant type or root depth that increase pant water loss. Drought stress can affect the growth of plants in various ways. One of the effects is the priming on seed performance of several plants due to lack of natural rainfall. For example of plant that can be affected from this problem is Canola plant (Brassica napus L.). Based on the report of Mohammadi and Amiri(2010) , Canola plant is one of the most important oil seed crops which its production has been notably extended during recent years in Iran and due to lack of rainfall at planting time and the seeds are common planted in seedbeds having unfavorable moisture. The drought stress is responsible for both inhibition and delayed seed germination and seedling establishment of Canola. Consequently, this stress adversely affects growth and development of crop and also results into low Canola yield. There is a decrease in water uptake both during imbibition and seedling establishment under this stress condition. Tutorvista(n.d.) stated that imbibitions process is the phenomenon of adsorption of water by the solid particles of a substance without forming a solution. Furthermore, inhibition of radicle also occurs due to the effect of stress condition. The inhibition emergence is mainly because of a decrease in water potential gradient between the external environment and the seeds. In addition, the seed priming has been successfully proved and demonstrated to improve germination and emergence in seeds of many crops and plants, especially under stress conditions. The seed priming is a technique that starts the germination process in the lab or plant. Moreover, the basic chemical reactions or framework for the seed to germinate and for the process to occur efficiently in the lab or plant, high moisture and ideal temperature condition are needed (Hariss, n.d.). Secondly is that the drought stress can affects the photosynthetic rate and leaf gas exchange of plants. Siddique et al. (1998) reported that, drought stress effects on photosynthetic rate and leaf gas exchange characteristics. The experiment had been done to four wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars which were evaluated under semi-controlled conditions. According to Siddiques observation, four cultivars which were Kanchan, Sonalika, Kalyansona, and C306, grown in pots and were subjected to four levels of water stress. However, cultivars that showed the highest photosynthesis rates both at vegetative and at anthesis among others is the Kalyansona. They had concluded that the exposure of plants to drought stress led to noticeable decrease in photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance and mesophyll conductance and a concomitant increase in intercellular CO2 concentration. The plants that were subjected to drought at the early vegetative stage displayed similar physiological characters subsequently under well-watered conditions as compared with control. Therefore, the photosynthesis rates decreased with decrease in stomatal conductance, but a weak relationship between them implied that non-stomatal limitations to photosynthesis might have been in operation. The involvement of CO2 concentration and assimilation was described in Farooq et al. (2008) report. The CO2  assimilation by the leaves is reduced mainly by the closure of the stomata, damaged the membrane and disturbed activity of various enzymes in the plants, especially those of O2  fixation and adenosine triphosphate(ATP) synthesis. Moreover, the enhancement of metabolite flux through the photorespiratory pathway had increased the oxidative load on the tissues as both processes generate reactive oxygen species. The damage and injury caused by reactive oxygen species to biological macromolecules under drought stress is among the major deterrents to growth.

Wildeves Flaws and how they contribute to his problems. Essay

Wildeve's Flaws and how they contribute to his problems. Hardy often relates his characters to their surrounding natural landscape, therefore creating the backdrop to the story, with the characters in it. Wildeve's name invokes up images of the 'wild' of the heath and this reflects his passionate and impulsive behaviour. Another way in which Hardy creates the image of Wildeve is by using the 'gossip' of other minor characters. Through a discussion of the heath-folk that Wildeve's name is firstly introduced to the reader, " To give him his due he's a clever learned fellow in his way.. An engineer- that's what the man was, as we know; but he threw away his chance." Hardy's description is essential in developing Wildeve's character. He describes him as being a man of two properties, "farm and motion" and he is explicitly depicted as a physically attractive persona. Hardy enforces this, "the grace of his movements was singular: it was the pantomimic expression of a lady killing career". Wildeve's distanced superiority towards the heath folk further highlights his egotism. They however do not seem to perceive his cold opinions to them. His approach and the way he conducts himself contrasts greatly with their enthusiasm and genuine feeling. "Wildeve made no reply and probably feeling that the sooner he treated them the sooner they would go". Wildeve's selfishness is also illustrated by his attitude to Thomasin. Although Thomasin has had a tiresome and emotional journey, his first words to her lack real warmth and feeling, "How could you leave me in that way darling?", this statement seems careless, and as if he has no concern about her safe arrival. Wildeve plays with Thomasin's feelings. She has t... ...thin human limitations. Wildeve cannot initiate rebellion. He can only respond to Eustacia's fire and be consumed in her flames, like the moth-signal he sends her. The weakness and unpredictability in his character, rather than evil and the troubled beauty and vanity of Eustacia, combined for predictable longing, rejection and ultimately tragedy. When Eustacia no longer showed interest, he was dying for her, and when he comes into an inheritance that will allow him to make his dreams come true, and effectively escape the heath, he tells Eustacia his plans to 'live it up' and travel. Ironically he is unable to make this happen, for he sacrifices himself trying to save Eustacia from drowning. His superstitious nature allowed him to get involved in something risky, but despite his flaws and mistakes, like Eustacia he is now permanently buried on the heath.